June 15, 2010

It's no secret that I'm not a fan of dance class. On days where I had lost track of the schedule, I'd resort to emailing one of the teachers with the subject line "Disengaged mother needs help" to ask for reminders on dates and times.

Hey, at least I'm honest.

But, my disengagement was recently called out by, of all people, my dental hygenist while I was having my annual cleaning.

Turns out her teenage daughter attends the same studio (it's a nice studio, really) and while we were discussing the upcoming recital, I mentioned the scheduling and how it's tough with Wavey's age with the rehearsal times running late in the day and in the middle of the week, and juggling two small kids, etc.

That's when she gave me the business about how my kids are only little once and activities are good for them, and "so what if you're inconvenienced?..." Mind you, I was given the business while sharp instruments were inside my mouth so it's not like I had a reasonable advantage to argue back.

I won't disagree that I was a bit whiny about the hassle, but I don't agree that it's my motherly obligation to love and drool over all activities my kids are in, such as a dance class that Wavey is completely apathetic about anyway. My kids will always participate in activities they want and the harriedness will not stop us from continuing to support that, but again: I don't have to love it.

5 comments:

I'm with you! If it makes you feel better, I was reprimanded after my God daughter performed "baby got back" by Sir Mix A Lot instead of her practiced routine... she sang... I like big butts and I can't not lie... who can blame her? And why did everyone automatically blame it on me? *halo*

the girls start dance next week...we will see how things go. i was in dance for year when i was a little girl, so i have a soft spot in my heart for it...on danceline too in high school. but, if they don't like it then we are not doing it!

I just love how everybody has an opinion...and feel the need to share, regarding how others choose to parent, etc. Good for you for being honest and letting your children choose what they enjoy for activities. Then again, it's awfully endearing when you see the parents dragging their miserable tots to sports, dance, etc...